At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage Employee Relations cases and guide managers through complex HR matters.
- Company: Join Ryman, a dynamic retail leader with over 130 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous holiday allowance, wellness support, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team that values growth, ideas, and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while building strong relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a confident and commercially minded HR professional to join our team, taking ownership of a fast-paced Employee Relations caseload across a dynamic, multi-site retail environment. You’ll be the go-to expert for managers, guiding them through complex ER matters, coaching them to build capability, and driving fair, consistent outcomes across the business.
This is a hands-on role where you’ll balance legal expertise with practical solutions, influence senior stakeholders, and proactively identify trends to shape future HR initiatives. If you thrive on building strong relationships, tackling challenges head-on, and making a real impact, this is the role for you.
WHAT WILL YOU BE RESPONSIBLE FOR?
- Managing a high-volume Employee Relations caseload, including disciplinaries, grievances, performance/capability and redundancy cases
- Acting as the go-to ER expert, guiding managers through the full process from investigation through to outcome and appeal
- Resolving workplace issues early through proactive mediation and informal conflict resolution
- Identifying risk and delivering commercially focused, legally compliant solutions
- Coaching and empowering managers to confidently handle performance and difficult conversations
- Influencing and constructively challenging senior stakeholders to ensure fair and consistent outcomes
- Producing clear, professional and legally robust documentation, including investigation reports and outcome letters
- Maintaining accurate, detailed case records to ensure a strong audit trail and compliance
- Keeping up to date with employment law and ensuring policies reflect current best practice
- Analysing ER trends and data to identify patterns and drive proactive interventions and training
- Building strong, effective relationships with stakeholders across the business
- Supporting and developing line manager capability across stores, field teams, and head office functions
- Leading and contributing to HR initiatives that add value and support business objectives
- Using absence and attrition data to inform decisions and drive improvements
- Ensuring employee data and administration are handled accurately and in line with GDPR
- Championing company values and helping to build a positive, high-performing culture
WHAT WOULD WE LIKE TO SEE IN YOU?
- A confident and credible HR professional, able to build strong relationships across stores, departments, and functions
- Adaptable and pragmatic, with the confidence to challenge constructively based on sound judgement and employment law
- Strong HR experience in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment (multi-site retail preferred)
- A natural coach who can support and empower managers to make the right decisions first time
- Clear and confident communicator, able to provide concise, practical guidance
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities
- Hands-on and proactive, with a “get stuck in” approach
- Energetic and enthusiastic, while remaining calm, focused, and professional under pressure
- A collaborative team player who shares knowledge and contributes to a joined-up HR approach
- Comfortable influencing and constructively challenging stakeholders at all levels
- A role model for company values and behaviours
WHAT WILL WE OFFER YOU?
- A passionate, dynamic team where your growth, ideas, and impact matter
- A competitive pay package
- Company pension scheme with the option to enhance
- Generous holiday allowance including an extra wellbeing day that gives you time to recharge
- Training programme to help you excel in your role
- Opportunities through our apprenticeship programs to keep building on your skills
- Access to mental health first aiders, wellness sessions, and support groups
- Exclusive discounts across all of our brands and through our benefits hub
- Cycle2Work scheme
- Long service and recognition awards
- Colleague referral scheme
- Company and team social events
- Free on-site parking
- Subsidised canteen
Ryman is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce and follow the guidelines of the Equality Act. Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams. We celebrate differences, encourage everyone to join us, and be themselves at work.
PLEASE NOTE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND YOU MAY BE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT OTHER DUTIES AS AND WHEN REQUIRED.
Retail HR ER Lead — Multi-Site Impact in Crewe employer: Ryman
Ryman is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where your growth and ideas are valued. With a competitive pay package, generous holiday allowance, and comprehensive training programmes, employees are empowered to excel in their roles while enjoying exclusive discounts and wellness support. Join a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding customer service across a multi-site retail environment, where you can truly make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Retail HR ER Lead — Multi-Site Impact in Crewe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the retail HR space. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Know their values, recent news, and what makes them tick. This way, you can tailor your answers to show how you fit right into their culture and can tackle their challenges head-on.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to confidently explain your experience and how it relates to the role. Think about specific examples where you’ve made an impact in previous roles, especially in employee relations or coaching managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Ryman.
We think you need these skills to ace Retail HR ER Lead — Multi-Site Impact in Crewe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Employee Relations, especially in a multi-site retail environment. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Retail HR ER Lead, clear communication is key. Use your application to demonstrate how you’ve effectively communicated complex HR matters in the past. We love seeing examples of how you’ve influenced stakeholders or coached managers through tough situations.
Be Specific About Your Experience:When detailing your previous roles, be specific about your hands-on experience with disciplinaries, grievances, and performance management. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so share those real-life examples that show your expertise!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Ryman!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ryman
✨Know Your ER Basics
Brush up on your Employee Relations knowledge before the interview. Understand key concepts like disciplinaries, grievances, and performance management. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re ready to take ownership of the caseload.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Prepare examples of how you've coached managers in the past. Think about specific situations where you empowered them to handle difficult conversations or resolve conflicts. This will demonstrate your ability to build relationships and support others effectively.
✨Be Ready to Influence
Think about times when you've had to influence senior stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you constructively challenged decisions or provided commercially focused solutions. This will highlight your confidence and credibility as an HR professional.
✨Stay Current with Employment Law
Familiarise yourself with the latest employment law updates and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance and reflect these changes in company policies. This shows that you’re proactive and knowledgeable, which is crucial for this role.